Trinity Area School District Receives National Recognition for Music Education Support

This is the 13th time Trinity has received this honor.

Washington, PA, May 12, 2025, Trinity Area School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students. 

Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the Support Music Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase awareness and support for music programs. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.  

Superintendent Quote

“We are absolutely thrilled to be recognized once again as one of the Best Communities for Music Education,” said Dr. Michael Lucas, Superintendent of Trinity Area School District. “This marks our 13th time receiving this national honor, and it speaks volumes about the unwavering dedication of our music educators, the passion of our students, and the incredible support from our families and community. At Trinity, we believe music education is essential to a well-rounded education, and we are proud to champion the arts in every classroom, every day.” Dr. Michael Lucas, Trinity Area School District Superintendent

Music Department Quote

“Music Education is such an important part of every child’s education. It is fantastic working in a school district that supports the arts with more than just lip service. We feel valued for what we do, and the administration, parents, and community consistently show up for concerts, musicals, competitions, and provide what is needed to give our students the best experience possible!” Matthew Komula is the High School Choir director and K-12 music department chair.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the Trinity Area School District and the music department answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the music department chair before submission. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.  

The long-standing tradition of pride and excellence in the Trinity Area School District is for each individual to have purpose, respect for self and others, confidence in one's abilities to be critical thinkers, life-long learners, effective problem solvers, and communicators.

The Trinity Area School District, in partnership with the parents and the community, prepares students to reach their fullest potential and to become contributing members of society.

About The NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.